Stories from the Line

Free Shakespeare in the Park

The NYPL Community Oral History Project and The Public Theater teamed up to collect stories from people waiting in line for Free Shakespeare in the Park from July 21st - August 12th.

Beginning over 60 years ago, Free Shakespeare in the Park has brought accessible theater to New York City, hosting performances at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park for more than 5 million people.

This Free Shakespeare line waiting experience that so many New Yorkers and tourists share is documented here by volunteer interviewers. The stories collected will be part of the NYPL Community Oral History Project digital collection and available for current and future generations.